Those Who Can Endure Hardship Only Have Endless Hardship

Because of Hound's Blessing, Felt's growth had surpassed Adam's original expectations. Naturally, Felt's future no longer had to be tied to the path of seeking out Reinhardt and running for king.

After all, Felt had no desire to become king. Adam's original plan had merely been to make use of the royal election, an event sure to draw countless eyes, while also getting the world's strongest bodyguard for free.

With Adam's approval and Old Man Rom's persuasion, Felt finally made up her mind and set out on her own journey.

"Everyone, I'll definitely make a fortune and give you all a good life!"

Though she had made such a grand declaration, Felt actually had no idea how to make a fortune.

"Adam, what do you think about becoming mercenaries?"

On her first visit to another city, Felt looked around and decided that among all the respectable professions, the only one she could handle—and one with decent earnings—was mercenary work.

"Mercenaries... If you were alone, or had a powerful team, then perhaps it would be a good idea."

Adam shook his head.

This was not the sort of world where the protagonist was a mercenary hero, mercenary guilds covered the continent, and capable experts among mercenaries were everywhere.

The truly powerful mercenary groups were all private. Those genuinely lucrative commissions were never made public. The jobs available were either dirty work or grueling labor—and even then, they were not open to just anyone.

A newcomer like Felt would probably need several years before making a name for herself in the mercenary business.

Even if she did make a name for herself as a mercenary and her income rose, her corresponding expenses would rise as well.

Early supplies, intelligence gathering, travel expenses along the way, equipment maintenance after missions...

In short, mercenary